Rowlesburg

History of Rowlesburg

Rowlesburg is a community steeped in historic beauty and charm. In 2008, Rowlesburg marked its Sesquicentennial, commemorating 180 years since its founding. Originally established as a railroad town, Rowlesburg witnessed its first train crossing the Cheat River on Christmas Day in 1852 during the peak of the Sawmill Industry. The town was officially designated a Historic District in 2005 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing over 50 historic buildings and a small park area at the time. The Nassif Building on Church Street stands as Rowlesburg's oldest surviving structure. Rowlesburg attained ON TRAC status in 2009 and became a Main Street Affiliate in 2021.

Rowlesburg Today: What Makes Us Unique

The community of Rowlesburg is exceptional not only for its friendly residents, a willingness to lend a helping hand, but its sports gatherings at Rowlesburg Park, art gallery, historical museums on Main Street and evening dances with live music. 

The Rowlesburg community, set within magnificent mountains and hills and surrounded by the Cheat River, proudly features its festival schedule, including the famous Ox Roast, River City Festival of the Arts, Christmas Market, Chestnut Festival and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Cheat River for its boating and kayaking, tubing and swimming experience.

world war II museumWorld War II Museum

The memorable exhibit at the Szilagyi Center (old Rowlesburg School) showcases authentic military uniforms, memorabilia, medals, war posters and photographs.

sports museumPreston County Sports Museum

With ten high schools within Preston County, each with its own sports program, a group of representatives within the ten schools organized a museum in the Szilagyi Center highlighting the area’s sports history, including baseball, basketball and football. To add to the museum, many former athletes donated meaningful items. 

Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing ArtsSzilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

The Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is owned and operated by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc. The renovated building is home to the WWII Museum, B & O Depot and Museum, Riverbend Art Studio and the Preston County Sports Museum. The center has rooms available to rent for corporate gatherings. 


trey run viaductTray Run Viaduct

Unique to Rowlesburg, visitors can view the Tray Run Viaduct sitting high on the hill, in late fall or early spring, with less leaf coverage. The historic railroad bridge operates today and is the infamous bridge on the back of the West Virginia State Seal.

cannon hillCannon Hill

Known as a strategic location in the Battle of Rowlesburg during the Civil War, visitors can view the Cheat River and the railroad bridge that was the focus of the battle from the heights of Cannon Hill. Tours are available from May through October via the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society.

allegheny trailAllegheny Trail

Rowlesburg is situated near the Allegheny Trail, which runs through the forested hills of West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia border. Nature lovers will love the beautiful vistas and wildlife viewable along the trail, whether they seek a short day trip or enjoy a multi-day excursion.


river house boatsRiver House Boat Exploration 

Rent a boat at the River House Lodge and cruise down the Cheat River Water Trail, immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery Rowlesburg has to offer. 

rowlesburg schoolRowlesburg School

Home of the River Lions, Rowlesburg School offers programming for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. 

senior centerRowlesburg Senior Center

The Rowlesburg Senior Center is one location of Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc. Residents of age 60 or older find the Center an excellent source for healthy activities, camaraderie and programming for health, medical and financial needs. 


River City Festival of the ArtsRiver City Festival of the Arts

Rowlesburg is famous for its variety of festivals from May through December. Bringing the community together, the River City Festival of the Arts portrays a living history performance, symphony and band performances and much more. 

ox roastLabor Day Ox Roast

Rowlesburg Park is the site of the Annual Labor Day Ox Roast, featuring live music, food, fireworks and a variety of kid-friendly activities.

chestnut festivalAnnual West Virginia Chestnut Festival

Held in the fall, the Chestnut Festival celebrates the beauty of Autumn with community activities including breakfast in the River City Cafe, park activities on the bank of the Cheat River, sampling and purchasing savory roasted chestnuts and local vendors selling authentic crafts and wares. 


 

christmas martChristmas Mart

The Annual Christkindlmarkt features an abundance of vendors displaying their original Christmas gifts. The festive environment is complete with live music, food, Christmas decorations and crafts. 

rowlesburg parkRowlesburg Park

The multi-acre community park is enjoyed by all, with riverside space including a lighted walking path, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis court, river access, picnic pavilions perfect for barbecues. There’s even a summer concession stand for grabbing a snack in the sun! The park is equipped to house reunions, parties and picnics. Cheat Mountain is just 10 miles east of Rowlesburg Park.

 

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Population

Total Population

443

Population
Growth Rate

-0.14%

Median Age

51

Diversity Index

8.200

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Housing & Income

Households

208

Total Housing Units

260


Owner Occupied

179

Renter Occupied

29

Vacant

52

Median Home Value

$104,167


Average Home Value

$129,888

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

3.06%

Income Projection

Median Household

$52,681 $58,568


Average Household

$67,023 $77,380


Per Capita

$31,469 $36,580

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Workforce

Total Businesses

21

Total Employed

116

Workers 16+

225

2024 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

42

2024 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

5

Employed

20

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

12

2024 Mining Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

12

2024 Food & Beverage Retailers

N

Businesses

2

Employed

10

2024 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

9

Some
High School

28

Graduated
High School

147

Associates
Degree

19

Bachelor's
Degree

28

Graduate
Degree

31

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

176

Non-Resident Commuters

35

Drive Alone

179

Carpooled

30

Public

0

Work At Home

4

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26
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